Drug interactions
Butorphanol + Valerian
Severity: Moderate
Butorphanol and Valerian: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Valerian has mild sedative properties that can add to the sedation caused by butorphanol. This may increase drowsiness and impair psychomotor performance, though serious harm is uncommon.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butorphanol and Valerian can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression, likely via GABAergic effects of valerian.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid valerian while taking butorphanol, or use the lowest doses and warn about drowsiness and driving. Monitor sedation and respiratory status.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Butorphanol
- Butorphanol + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Butorphanol Major
- Alprazolam + Butorphanol Major
- Alvimopan + Butorphanol Major
- Amobarbital + Butorphanol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butorphanol with Valerian?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Butorphanol and Valerian can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Valerian has mild sedative properties that can add to the sedation caused by butorphanol. This may increase drowsiness and impair psychomotor performance, though serious harm is uncommon.
How serious is the interaction between Butorphanol and Valerian?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid valerian while taking butorphanol, or use the lowest doses and warn about drowsiness and driving. Monitor sedation and respiratory status.
What other medicines interact with Butorphanol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Butorphanol with, for example, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Butorphanol page.
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